Stainless has argued the trend of major sport is becoming predominantly a form of mass entertainment, and in this article he takes cricket and soccer – and analyses how each has changed in Australia in line with these trends.

A major trend in the developed world of changing lifestyles and declining participation shows we’re doing less and less physical activity. Stainless continues his series on the topic of sport as entertainment with another thought provoking article.

Stainless examines the development of mass spectator sport from its roots in the late 19th century when most of the games and competitions we know today were being codified and organised. Clubs and stadia sprung up, fuelling the growth of sports with huge spectator appeal.

Sport is increasingly marketed as an entertainment product. Is this necessarily a bad thing? Or is it merely a reflection of a changing society? Stainless introduces a series of articles which will interrogate the notion of sport as entertainment.

For Stainless, 2018 was there for Richmond’s taking and they blew it. He can handle being beaten fair and square, but to watch the Magpies and the Eagles fighting for the cup this Saturday, the magnitude of what The Tigers have thrown away will hit him home very hard.

For Stainless, Docklands Stadium despite its many re-brandings,has always been a cold, soulless venue as he recalls a disproportionate number of serious, freakish injuries on its hard, patchy surface sustained by Richmond players. But, Stainless was more than happy by the team’s performance against the Swans.

Richmond starts a new ascent of Everest, from Base Camp, competing alongside 17 other hungry, ambitious mountaineers says Stainless Steele. All start equal and expect no special favours. But for once, the Tigers begin their climb with the certain knowledge that they’ve achieved it before.

Stainless Steele recalls what he had to see about the post-Doggies’ flag adulation a few months ago, and finds some beautiful gymnastics which allows him to get through a similar experience because the funny thing is now he is in exactly the same position as a Tiger! [You are an honourable man Stainless – JTH]

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